Debunking Myths about the Emergency Department

Debunking Common Myths about the Emergency Department

Overuse of the Emergency Department is a problem in Cincinnati and nationwide.  In North Carolina, Natania Barron of Blue Cross, Blue Shield put together a list of "myth-busters".  People who know the facts are more likely to “Make the Right Call".

Myth #1: The uninsured are to blame for unnecessary ER visits.  

Fact: Contrary to popular belief, it’s not the uninsured who make up the majority of these “ER overusers.” Increasingly, it’s people with insurance. In fact, according to CDC data, Medicare beneficiaries are the most likely to visit the ER — and those without insurance are no more likely to visit the ER compared to those with private insurance.  

Myth #2: Going to the ER is “free” if you can’t pay. 

Fact: This is a classic example of consumers being shielded from the true cost of health care. While it’s true that out-of-pocket costs can be as low as zero for the uninsured or the cost of a copayment for insured patients, we know that the average trip to the emergency room really costs an average of about $1,500. Those ER costs pile up and are part of the reason that health care costs have been rising so much faster than inflation and salaries for the past decade.

Myth #3: I can’t tell if it’s an emergency, so the ER is the best way to go. 

Fact: This is a tough one, but it comes down to education and availability. Researchers have concluded that more than half of all ER visits are not serious enough to require a visit to the ER and could be treated at a doctor’s office or urgent care center at much lower costs. That makes a big impact on the cost of health care for you and everyone around you, whether or not you’re using the ER incorrectly. Of course there are always situations that absolutely require an ER visit—but it’s important to know the difference. Not just for your health, but for your checkbook, too.

Myth #4: You’ll get help quicker in the ER. 

Fact: Nationally, the average ER patient wait time is four hours. That’s a long time, especially if you compare that to other care options like a primary care physician's office or urgent care centers where the average wait time can be much shorter.

Myth #5: Ambulance rides are free. 

Well, in some places, they used to be. But that’s no longer the case. The New York Times recently wrote a piece about the skyrocketing charges for ambulance rides, including the story of an insured woman who was charged over $1,700 for an ambulance ride to the ER. 

Click here to read the full article.  

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